Thursday, 23 December 2010

Looking back over 2010 with some satisfaction (somesay smugness, I guess). It's been a good year, with the following "Classic Wargaming" highlights:

painting the Saxe Coburg regiment - this keeps up the pledge of doing at least one "Classic Wargaming" unit per year, amongst all the other wargames activity on other projects. John Preece once said about his own collection building, that his goal was to simply add a fresh unit each year, of whatever he fancied doing, the idea being that over time a very satisfying collection can be created without too much fuss. Very much in the spirit of things in the CW genre methinks.

the Spurlash Down game at Claymore in August - a chance to play with the troops in good company (thanks Alan, Phil and Tony), and meet some fellow wargamers who have a similar approach and appreciate this style of wargame.

Publications such as Wargaming in History vol 2, and The Wargames Annual. Whilst not specifically "classic" in style, I include them here simply to bring them to your attention, and to say I am proud to have been involved.

The Classic Wargamer's Journal - I never realised that dipping my toe into the water would reveal such a fantastic level of support. We have sold 273 Pilot Issues so far, and have 178 subscribers, which is way beyond what I had imagined. I'm delighted, and thanks must go to you all for supporting the venture, and not least to those who have contributed articles and have made the whole thing a joy. The many emails and letters expressing really heartfelt thanks are very much appreciated, and gave me a genuine boost to launch the project proper after the Pilot Issue.

receiving a letter from Don Featherstone- more on this in the next issue of CWJ.

Talking of CWJ ... I am starting to collate the many articles received for the next issue. As you can probably imagine, I am enjoying this immensely as my "business pen" has been put down for the year and I am now able to relax in an armchair with a glass of something seasonal. I can promise an issue that is definitely something to look forward to bouncing onto your door-mat in mid-January.

So, here's to you all... CWJ contributors, subscribers, and all visitors to the blog. Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas, and a prosperous 2011. I trust you will have some exciting items under the tree, and maybe a game or two over the holidays.Best wishesPhil

Monday, 20 December 2010

On one wargame forum, there's been a bit of mickey taking of what we might term "Old school Wargaming".So, in the spirit of the season, here's a Carol (to the tune of Good King Wenceslas) about the old wargamer setting out his traditional boxing day game...

Old School Wargame, all set out, on the Feast of Stephen.

Contoured Hills lay all about, simply stacked and even.

Brightly shone his troops in gloss; others mocked him cru-el

This old gamer soldiered on, not trying to be kew-l

Ok, ok,....

More of these on my warcabinet blog.Pop on over and add yours to the growing list of seasonal wargames tune-smithery.

Thursday, 16 December 2010

When I put out a plea for a proper artist to help with some sketches for The Classic Wargamer's Journal, I was contacted in a matter of hours by one subscriber, Chris Gregg of Cheltenham, UK. Now, this is one talented fellow... on the wargaming front, where his well-painted armies do battle on exceptional terrain adorned with wonderful scratch-built edifices (I know this, because I've seen the pdf he produces for his club... and more of that anon); and also on the artistic front. Well, he's a proper artist you see, so as you can imagine I snapped up the chance to have Chris produce some sketches for CWJ (next issue is already looking good- but I would say that, wouldn't I?!).

In addition, having perused Chris's online gallery, I also commisioned a painting for my Christmas present. Now, the picture arrived - a wonderfully composed and executed piece showing a vedette of Bercheny Hussars on patrol.I only got a sneak preview before Liz whisked it away to be framed, but Chris also sent me a black and white scan of the piece, which is reproduced here, simply to show you what Chris can do, and as an insight into some of the artistry that will enhance CWJ in future issues.

You can view Chris' online gallery (see links). But be aware... he's a busy fellow, with a number of exhibitions coming up in 2011 for which he is producing some exquisite work. So, if you want to avail yourself of his services, you'll have to join the queue! If you are serious about getting some beautiful, original art, from someone who knows how to paint both landscapes and military subjects, I can certainly recommend Chris.

Charge! The Cast of Characters

Count von Kornberg – commanding Imperial forces at Blasthof Bridge, and later playing a significant role at Sittangbad

Dr J Evans Mudd – noted military historian who commented on conduct of both generals at Blasthof Heath, and subsequently "thought it wise to study the natural beauties of neutral Switzerland."

Princess Catherine of Hesse-Damall – kidnapped by the Elector thereby igniting the campaign that led up to Sittangbad

Archduke Guitar – commander of the Imperialist field army sent to seize the Electoral capital. His army was defeated and he, relieved of its command, returned over the Weser before the Battle of Sittangbad.

General Lentulus – replaced Guitar and was Imperial commander at Sittangbad

Lt Col Fuchs – Lentulus’ chief of staff

General Sapt- commander of the contingent billeted in Sittangbad; Lancers de saxe, Pandour regt, and B battery field artillery.

Units in "Charge!"

These units are named / photographed. Other units do appear in photographs and their identity can be gleaned from the text, but all is not always as it seems!

To illustrate line infantry organisation and formations:-Erbprinz regt

Used as example illustrations accompanying the text. Whether they were simply names devised for that purpose or these units did in fact exist is not made clear:-1st Fieldboot Battalion-2nd Sharpshooters-3rd Whisky Mac regt

Used for the section illustrating combat, with Smith and Jones as the players:-The Pultava Guards (appear to be The Erbprinz in another guise!)-B Battery, Royal Thracian Artillery-Douro Grenadiers – the unit appears in the photos of Sittangbad, and must be acting under a different name-Musselburgh Fusiliers - ditto

On the sample order sheet. Again, perhaps simply named for the purpose of illustrating the sheet, although some do appear to have been real on-table units, appearing in Sittangbad:-Kornberg’s Cuirassiers-Von Bock’s Dragoons-Lanciers de Saxe-5 Jaeger-6 Jaeger-Pandour Grenadiers-Isembourg Regt-7th Regt-2nd Engineers Regt

Additional units are mentioned in The Wargames Companion. Thanks to Charles S Grant for documenting these in that wonderful accompaniment to his father’s work, The Wargame. The chapter dealing with Peter Young is littered with wonderful stories about the man, and lists more of his figures. Amongst these are such enticing names as the Schnurrband Infantry, theUhlans Brittaniques and the Montmirail militia.